Joseph Johnson, Principal Cello of the Toronto Symphony, talks about playing melodically rather than percussively

Instruments:Cello

Joseph Johnson

Cello

Joseph Johnson has been Principal Cello of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since the 2009-2010 season, and Mr. Johnson previously held the same position with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as principal cellist of the Santa Fe Opera, and during the 2008-2009 season, he was guest principal cellist of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his Milwaukee appointment, Mr. Johnson was a member of The Minnesota Orchestra cello section for eleven years, during which time he performed numerous chamber music works during the orchestra's Sommerfest, both as cellist and pianist. He was a founding member of both the Prospect Park Players and the Minneapolis Quartet, the latter of which was honoured with The McKnight Foundation Award in 2005.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Joseph Johnson earned his master's degree from Northwestern University. Awards and honors include a performer's certificate from the Eastman School of Music and first prize from the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition.